Supreme Court lays down 8 factors for deciding alimony amount

The tragic case of Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash, who ended his life citing alleged harassment by his wife and in-laws, has reignited discussions about the misuse of dowry laws in India. His death, marked by an 80-minute video and a 24-page suicide note that repeatedly stated "Justice is Due," has shaken the nation and prompted fresh scrutiny of both dowry laws and alimony frameworks.

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court laid out an eight-point framework to guide courts in determining permanent alimony. While hearing a divorce case, a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice PV Varale advised courts to factor in:

Social and economic status of both husband and wife. Basic needs of the wife and children for the future. Qualifications and employment status of both parties. Income, property, and financial means of both individuals. The wife's standard of living during her marriage. Whether the wife sacrificed her career for family responsibilities. Legal costs for a non-working wife. The husband’s financial responsibilities and capacity to pay alimony.